Athlete of the Week: Malcolm Howard

Victoria, BC native Malcolm Howard added another impressive win to his legendary rowing career by helping his Oxford University crew claim the famous Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race in its 159th edition last Sunday.

For this, he earns a Canadian Olympic Team nod as athlete of the week.

Howard, winner of Olympic gold (2008) and silver (2012) medals, is the only double Olympic medallist to compete in the race and lead the way for his eight by being named to the important stroke position.

“We were aggressive from the start and stuck to the race plan,” said Howard after the race, which Oxford finished in 17 minutes and 28 seconds over 6.8 km. “Cambridge did not give up, and we fought for every inch we got. Our total focus was on beating Cambridge.”

Along with his two Olympic medals, Howard has helped Canada win multiple World Championship podiums including a world title in 2007 in Munich, Germany to go with two silvers (2004, 2009) and a bronze medal in 2011.

After the silver medal win in London, Howard helped the Canadian Olympic Committee host Prince Harry at Canada Olympic House and had time to chat with the Prince about the sport as well as watch the women’s eight team win a silver medal together.

“He was totally cool,” said Howard of the prince. “He’s just another guy. I showed him my medal and we talked a bit about rowing.”

A graduate of Harvard University in 2005, Howard went undefeated in three seasons as a member of the varsity eight to help Harvard win three consecutive national championships.